National Guard troops begin deploying to NYC, LI

Aug. 27, 2011

Written by

Associated Press

LATHAM, N.Y. — Hundreds of state National Guard troops deployed for Hurricane Irene began heading to Long Island and the New York City area.

About 900 National Guard soldiers and airmen are being sent Saturday from across New York to the downstate areas expected to bear the brunt of the hurricane.

More than 100 National Guard troops from the Albany area headed to Camp Smith north of New York City and to the Farmingdale Armed Forces Reserve Center on Long Island. Guard members will be able to help out with evacuations, cleanup and other duties.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo is signing an agreement with the federal Department of Defense that sets up a joint command for state National Guard and federal troops deployed in New York for the storm.